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-   -   Low-down on Inspection II? (http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=8086)

lupinsea 10-06-2006 07:23 PM

Low-down on Inspection II?
 
Ok guys, what's the low-down on Inspection II? Who gets it done at the dealership?

Here is what I'm seeing that is done:

Things to actually be changed or repalced:
  • Oil and filter
  • Air cleaner element
  • Microfilter
  • Brake Fluid (every 2 yrs)
  • Coolant Flush (every 4 yrs)


Things to be "inspected" (looked at) for wear:
  • Transmission, rear axle, and half shafts
  • Fuel tank system and lines
  • Exhaust
  • Power steering system
  • Play in steering, wheel bearing, and tie rods
  • Brake pad thickness, rotor thickness, rotor condition, and hydraulic lines
  • E-brake actuation and tire air pressure
  • Engine code reading
  • Radiator and coolant system
  • Windshield washer and anti-freeze protection
  • Check battery charge
  • Verify electrical system is working (lights, guages, etc.)
  • Reset Service Indicator


According to my car's service history, I'm good on the brake fluid and radiator flush for another year, min.

So, it's changing oil and replacing a couple filters, plus the inspection stuff. I think I can look at things well enough to tell if they are cracked, worn, or leaking (as it seems to be with most of the inspection stuff. The only thing I can't do (or can I?) is reset the service indicator.

Independent shops are quoting $600+ for the service. My local dealership is quoting $525.

Is it still recommended to take it into the dealership for the code reading and service indicator reset? Is there a way I can do that myself?

FC 10-06-2006 07:25 PM

There is a Nintendo-like way of resetting the service indicator via the OBC stalk. Search bimmerfest. It may even be here.

bren 10-06-2006 07:26 PM

Personally, I wouldn't pay someone to "inspect" anything.

IIRC there is a way to reset the indicator...maybe search bimmerfest. (edit: mbr beat me to it.)

Sharp11 10-06-2006 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupinsea (Post 118829)
Ok guys, what's the low-down on Inspection II? Who gets it done at the dealership?

Here is what I'm seeing that is done:

Things to actually be changed or repalced:
  • Oil and filter
  • Air cleaner element
  • Microfilter
  • Brake Fluid (every 2 yrs)
  • Coolant Flush (every 4 yrs)


Things to be "inspected" (looked at) for wear:
  • Transmission, rear axle, and half shafts
  • Fuel tank system and lines
  • Exhaust
  • Power steering system
  • Play in steering, wheel bearing, and tie rods
  • Brake pad thickness, rotor thickness, rotor condition, and hydraulic lines
  • E-brake actuation and tire air pressure
  • Engine code reading
  • Radiator and coolant system
  • Windshield washer and anti-freeze protection
  • Check battery charge
  • Verify electrical system is working (lights, guages, etc.)
  • Reset Service Indicator


According to my car's service history, I'm good on the brake fluid and radiator flush for another year, min.

So, it's changing oil and replacing a couple filters, plus the inspection stuff. I think I can look at things well enough to tell if they are cracked, worn, or leaking (as it seems to be with most of the inspection stuff. The only thing I can't do (or can I?) is reset the service indicator.

Independent shops are quoting $600+ for the service. My local dealership is quoting $525.

Is it still recommended to take it into the dealership for the code reading and service indicator reset? Is there a way I can do that myself?

I had an independent shop do my inspection 2 on my old e46 - saved a lot of money, about half the price.

Ed

Rob 10-06-2006 07:49 PM

I hadn't logged on to Bimmerfest in a few months, so I did the search for you.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...vice+indicator

John V 10-06-2006 08:32 PM

I did my 'inspections" myself. Very satisfying, and you know it's done RIGHT. Well.. if you know what you're doing. :ack:

And personally, I believe coolant and brake fluid changes are a one-year item, minimum. Especially with how crappy E36 and E46 cooling system parts are.

Plaz 10-07-2006 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V (Post 118839)
And personally, I believe coolant and brake fluid changes are a one-year item, minimum. Especially with how crappy E36 and E46 cooling system parts are.

:eeps:

I don't know if my coolant has ever been changed.

:eeps:

Nick M3 10-07-2006 09:43 AM

Makes more sense to just change the coolant when the radiator falls off. :p

Sharp11 10-07-2006 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V (Post 118839)
And personally, I believe coolant and brake fluid changes are a one-year item, minimum. Especially with how crappy E36 and E46 cooling system parts are.

Yeah, I used to be anal about stuff like that, as you get older, you just follow the manufacurer's schedule......(if that :))

Ed

lupinsea 10-07-2006 11:55 AM

Thanks a lot guys! Big help. I think I'll definitely do the 60k myself especially if I can reset the service interval thingy.

BTW, does that method for resetting the service interval still apply for '03 cars? It seems there are two methods:
Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW325 OP, for car bilt post 6/2000), Post #1
To reset the indicator:
-The car should be off
-hold down the left instrument button (the trip odometer reset)
-while holding the key, turn the ignition to position 1 (radio)
-you will see a test menu
-keep holding the button
-after maybe 10 seconds, the word "reset" will appear
-let go of the button and press again
-THe indicator is reset!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 346baller, post #16
After Mid-2000: You should not have the 20-pin DLC connector. You only need to hold the left odometer reset button while turning the key to position 1 (Accessory). Keep holding the button for 5 or so seconds until any of the following shows in the display: OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION with RESET or RE. Release the button and press it again for another 5 or so seconds until RESET or RE flash. While the display flashes, press the button one more time briefly. If done correctly, END SIA should show up for a few seconds. All done.!



Finally, any reason to get the diagnostic pulled from the dealer? No lights are showing up on my dash at all. I know the computers can store minor error codes but if no warning lights are showing up on the dash is there any reason to bring the car in?

Thanks again!


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